Sophie Cooper

Oil Paintings

For me, art is about seeing my environment in new ways and capturing the shapes, colors, and textures that light – and my own curiosity – reveals.

I began my painting career highly influenced by the plein air movement of Southern California. It helped me develop my skills of sight and technique. I am drawn to angular, massive, powerful shapes.

I have become increasingly drawn to urban, industrial and commercial scenes. In "The Water Tank Series", my paintings portray the poetry of the improbable forms of the water tanks in the middle of all the tall square buildings and the agitation of New York City.

The purpose of Santa Barbara Studio Artists Tour is to promote the interests of professional artists working in Santa Barbara and to increase public awareness of Santa Barbara as an important destination for art and culture.